It's already August 8, which means you've got maybe three or four weeks left to complain about preseason football, inadequately shield yourself from the scorching heat of the sun, and communicate with your kids about something other than why they haven't done their homework. So why not get cracking on a book?

Compiled by the staff of NPR Music, this roundup skims across just a few of the most notable music-themed books of the year so far, from a lengthy interview with composer Leonard Bernstein to one man's quest to understand obsessive Insane Clown Posse fandom. Along the way, we survey the life of jazz legend Dr. Billy Taylor, dive into a novel by Golden Palominos' Lori Carson, and even explore the history of the violin.

So join us in incorporating a book into what remains of your leisure time! Trust us: There's no better way to combine the decadence of the beach with the ability to ignore everyone around you.